I traveled to Toronto recently and brought this book with me. It was a very easy read. I read 89 pages during my flight over and the remainder over the course of two evenings. The book is implicitly for someone who has a desire to be successful in creative endeavors such as writing. Obviously, the author, Steven Pressfield, has experience doing this since I am writing about his book. He also had success with the novel, The Legend of Bagger Vance. This book goes much deeper than just pursuing something artistic. It explores avenues to discover your “true genius”. The author believes that everyone has a strong purpose for existing on this earth. Every individual may vary on the spectrum of attributes as to what that purpose is. The idea is to give in to the process of creation in such a manner that allows an almost mystical force to help guide you.
This book is valuable even if you do not view yourself as a creative person. The point that stuck with me most is to find the non-essential thing in your life that you would still do if you were the last person on earth. This thing is probably related to your purpose. The author also touches on individual and societal happiness as being related to the pursuit of one’s purpose. In this respect, this book really applies to everyone.
The book was released in 2002, so it makes some references to successful people such as Lance Armstrong, Tiger Woods, and Arnold Schwarzenegger prior to their respective ignominious fiascoes. The examples are appropriate in referencing their successes, but I am guessing the author would have found different people had he known their not-too-distant futures. I highly recommend this book. It is very thought-provoking and was well worth the time you’ll spend reading it.